You’ve won two races with Audi within the space of one week. Which one of them was more strenuous?

The Spa 24 Hours a week ago was no doubt the more strenuous one. I was really bushed afterward. But I’ve got to say my joy of having won was greater at the DTM at the Nurburgring.

Your form curve was excellent. What was the crucial factor in clinching victory at the Nurburgring?

The foundation for this victory was laid by the fact that my Audi A4 DTM had a set-up that was good for me throughout the weekend. The qualifying laps were optimal. It was definitely important for us to have been on the front of the grid. After that, the start, strategy and the pit stops all worked out perfectly. There was not just one single factor but the fact that everything fit together. I think we broke our duck today. Everyone in Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline is more relaxed now as a result of this victory. Now I’m hoping that my guys can take a bit of a vacation and wind down. It has been a strenuous time for them too.

After so many race kilometers within seven days: Will you relax a bit now during the summer break?

I’ll be traveling very privately together with my girlfriend Heidi, little Mats and the two Jack Russell terriers. Our destination remains our secret. I’ll do nothing for a whole week and then start doing some sports again so that I’ll be well prepared again for the last four races.